How far is Payson, AZ from Tempe Junction, AZ?
The driving distance from Payson, AZ to Tempe Junction, AZ is about 81 miles (130.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 66.7 miles (107.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 23m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Payson and Tempe Junction.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Payson and Tempe Junction.
-
1
Start on South Beeline Highway
72.4 mi · 1 hr 25 min · South Beeline Highway
-
2
Continue on North Country Club Drive
2377 ft · 48 sec · North Country Club Drive
-
3
Take the exit right toward AZ 202 Loop West
1930 ft · 49 sec
-
4
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Freeway
4.8 mi · 5 min · Red Mountain Freeway
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward Scottsdale Road, Rural Road
1783 ft · 43 sec
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on Arizona State University-Tempe
122 m · 12 sec
-
7
Turn slight left onto North Scottsdale Road
2543 ft · 1 min · North Scottsdale Road
-
8
Continue on South Rural Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Rural Road
-
9
Turn right onto East Apache Boulevard
1.1 km · 2 min · East Apache Boulevard
-
10
Turn left onto East 13th Street
1655 ft · 58 sec · East 13th Street
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Payson and Tempe Junction.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
South Beeline Highway
Start on South Beeline Highway
72.4 mi · 01h 25m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Payson and Sunny near Tempe Junction.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Payson to Tempe Junction?
The road trip is about 81 miles (130.3 km) and usually takes 01h 23m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Fountain Hills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.5 miles from Payson and 40.5 miles from Tempe Junction.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 66.7 miles (107.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:42 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.16 one way or $28.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Payson and Sunny near Tempe Junction.
Stop Ideas Near Fountain Hills
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Fountain Hills.
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Payson and Tempe Junction. Straight-line distance: 66.66 mi (107.28 km).
#1 Payson
Town in Gila County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 15,947 |
| Coordinates | 34.2308700, -111.3251400 |
| Altitude | 1500 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tempe Junction
A census-designated place in Maricopa County, Arizona.
| Population | 158,368 |
| Coordinates | 33.4142100, -111.9434800 |
| Altitude | 354 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 13th Street (-111.943482, 33.414724)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 130 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $14.16 | $28.32 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $15.27 | $30.53 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $15.92 | $31.84 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $18.21 | $36.41 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Arizona · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.